Electromagnetic engine

ABSTRACT

An electromagnetic engine has an inner rotor and an outer rotor having magnets of opposite polarity mounted thereon. Output is taken from the inner rotor, which is free to rotate in a single direction. The outer rotor is caused to oscillate, the force of magnetic repulsion between the magnetic fields of the inner and outer rotors driving rotation of the inner rotor. The outer rotor may be held stationary by solenoids and holding gears when the inner and outer magnetic fields are closely adjacent in order to maximize the force of repulsion. The timing of the oscillation and pausing of the outer rotor may be controlled by EPROM circuitry and a timing sensor mounted on the output shaft or gear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/643,123, filed Jan. 12, 2005, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to engines and, moreparticularly to an electromagnetic engine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Engines are well known in the art and have been used for many years topower machinery and a variety of vehicles. Many engines use fuel as asource of energy that, when combusted, drives various mechanisms in theprocess of outputting power. Mechanisms are concerned with kinematics ofthe movement of elements, including linkages, cams, gears, and geartrains. For example, a common application of a slider-crank mechanism isin the internal combustion engine. A slider-crank mechanism includes astationary frame, a crank, a connecting rod, and, in the internalcombustion engine, a piston. Another type of mechanism used in vehicleengines is a cam and a cam follower. The cam rotates at a constantangular velocity, and the follower moves up and down. On the upwardmotion the follower is driven by the arm, and on the return motion bythe action of gravity or a spring. In vehicle engines, two cams are usedper cylinder to operate the intake and exhaust valves. One primarydeficiency of typical engines is the efficiency of the engines. Aconstant and never-ending need exists in the engine art to provide anengine that provides increased efficiency. As such, it would bedesirable to provide an electromagnetic engine that excels inoperational efficiency.

Thus, an electromagnetic engine solving the aforementioned problems isdesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an electromagnetic engine. The electromagneticengine includes an output shaft, an outer magnet housing, an innermagnet housing, springs, input solenoids, magnets, holding gears, lockbearings, bearing cages, lock bearing races, lock bearings, shaftstabilizers, an inner magnet housing spacer, inner magnet brackets,output shaft gears, timing gear brackets, timing gear bearing brackets,timing gear bearings, timing gear shafts, timing gears, timing cams,timing rocker housings, rockers, timing pins, timing pin bolts, springbrackets, a base, and timing rocker roller bearings.

The electromagnetic engine operates by having the solenoids receiveinput power from an external electrical power source and providingoutput power to the output shaft. The magnets include four outer magnetsand four inner magnets. The inner magnets have magnetic forces thatoppose the magnetic forces of the outer magnets. Electrical powerprovided to the solenoids causes the solenoids to oscillate the outermagnets. Springs provide stability and assist the solenoids.

Once the electromagnetic motor has reached operating speed, it generatessufficient electrical energy to continue driving the electromagneticmotor for a period of time. Input energy can be supplied to thesolenoids by an auxiliary electrical generator. However, the efficiencyof the electromagnetic motor enables the output shaft to perform usefulwork. Useful work may be in the form of a mechanical attachment to theoutput shaft for the purpose of driving an auxiliary mechanical device.Alternatively, an electrical generator may be attached directly to theoutput shaft to provide electrical output energy to other electricaldevices.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of anelectromagnetic engine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the electromagnetic engine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a section view along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a section view along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the left side of the electromagneticengine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of theelectromagnetic engine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded side view of another embodiment of anelectromagnetic engine according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic engineshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of alternative left sidecomponents of the electromagnetic engine shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of theelectromagnetic engine shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is an electromagnetic engine. The inventiondisclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms. Shown in the drawings and described herein below indetail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to beunderstood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplificationof the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention tothe illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 show a first embodiment of anelectromagnetic engine 100. The electromagnetic engine 100 includes anoutput shaft 110, an outer magnet housing 112, an inner magnet housing114, springs 116, input solenoids 118, magnets 120, holding gears 122,output shaft bearings 124, bearing cages 128, lock bearing races 130,lock bearings 132, shaft stabilizers 134, an inner magnet housing spacer136, inner magnet brackets 138, output shaft gears 140, timing gearbrackets 142, timing gear bearing brackets 144, timing gear bearings146, timing gear shafts 148, timing gears 150, timing cams 152, timingrocker housings 154, rockers 156, timing pins 158, timing pin bolts 160,spring brackets 162, a base 164, and timing rocker roller bearings 166.

The electromagnetic engine 100 operates by having solenoids 118 receiveinput power from an external electrical power source and providingoutput power to an output shaft 110. The magnets 120 include four outermagnets and four inner magnets. The inner magnets have magnetic forcesthat oppose the magnetic forces of the outer magnets. Electrical powerprovided to solenoids 118 causes the solenoids 118 to oscillate theouter magnets. Springs 116 provide stability and assist the solenoids118.

The electromagnetic engine 100 has a timing configuration that minimizesthe input energy required to drive the output shaft 110. The timingconfiguration is associated with the oscillation of the outer magnets.The timing configuration includes timing gear brackets 142, timing gearbearing brackets 144, timing gear bearings 146, timing gear shafts 148,timing gears 150, timing cams 152, and timing rocker housings 154. Asthe opposing inner and outer magnets 120 are in proximity to each other,the initial force of repulsion is minimized by the speed at which theouter magnets are oscillated through the force field of the innermagnets.

Once the inner and outer magnets 120 directly oppose each other, theholding gears 122 momentarily hold the outer magnets stationary in orderto maximize the repulsion and provide additional driving force to theinner magnets and the output shaft 110. Once the inner magnets havepassed the outer magnets, the holding gears 122 release the outermagnets. The outer magnets, having now reversed direction, follow theinner magnets and provide additional repulsion and motive force to theoutput shaft 110. The timing configuration and the holding gears 122minimize the input energy required to operate the solenoids 118 whilemaximizing the repelling forces of the opposing inner and outer magnets120.

The electromagnetic engine 100 is placed in operation or set in motionby movement or oscillation of the outer magnet housing 112. This may beaccomplished either mechanically by rotation of the outer magnet housing112 or electrically by supplying an external source of electrical energyto operate the solenoids 118. Either method initiates rotation of theinner magnet housing 114 attached to the output shaft 110. Rotation ofthe inner magnet housing 114 begins as magnets 120 on the outer magnethousing 112 pass through the force field of opposing magnets 120 on theinner magnet housing 114.

The initial repulsion of opposing magnets 120 as their proximity reducesis minimized by the relative speed at which the outer magnet housing 112is oscillated (force is equal to time exposed to the force field). Whenthe inner and outer magnets 120 are approximately adjacent, the outermagnet housing 112 is momentarily held stationary when the timing pins158 mesh with the holding gears 122.

This ensures that the total repelling force of opposing magnets 120 isexerted in the desired direction of rotation of the output shaft 110. Inaddition, by holding the outer magnet housing 112 at this point, thetime exposed to the force field is increased, thereby further increasingenergy delivered to the output shaft 110 by rotation of the outer magnethousing 112. The momentary holding of the outer magnet housing 112 iscritical to the timing of the electromagnetic engine 100 as torque orload is placed on the output shaft 110.

The interaction of the opposing magnets 120 described above is moreeasily understood when considering one inner magnet 120, one outermagnet 120, and one holding gear 122. There are, however, four innermagnets and four outer magnets arranged on the inner magnet housing 112and the outer magnet housing 114, respectively, so that each of the fourouter magnets 120 is immediately adjacent to and opposing its respectiveinner magnet 120 when timing pin 158 engages the holding gear 122.

Energy imparted to the output shaft 110 by the repelling force ofopposing magnets 120 is multiplied by four. Similarly, there are twoholding gears 122 and two timing pins 158, one of each arranged onopposite ends of the output shaft 110. There is also a solenoid 118associated with each holding gear 122. These solenoids 118 are attachedto opposite sides of the outer magnet housing 112. One solenoid 118operates to oscillate the outer magnet housing 112 in a directionopposite to the rotation of the inner magnet housing 114. This actionpropels the outer magnets 120 through the initial force fields ofopposing inner magnets 120 to the point that the holding gear 122associated with this solenoid 118 is engaged.

When the timing configuration releases the holding gears 122, a signalis sent to actuate the solenoid 118 on the opposite side of the outermagnet housing 112. This solenoid 118 reverses the direction ofoscillation of the outer magnet housing 112 and accelerates it in thesame direction of rotation as the output shaft 110 and the inner magnethousing 114. The outer magnet housing 112, traveling at a faster rate ofspeed than the inner magnet housing 114, places opposing inner and outermagnets 120 in close proximity and imparts additional force to rotatethe output shaft 110.

This movement of the outer magnet housing 112 continues to the limit ofthe oscillating range where the timing pin 158 and the holding gear 122associated with this side of the outer magnet housing 112 are engaged.The timing configuration then releases the timing pin 158 from theholding gear 122 after a predetermined holding time, sends a signal tothe solenoid 118, and the cycle repeats. The springs 116 providestability to the electromagnetic engine 100 and assist the solenoids118. The four springs 116 are attached to each corner of the outermagnet housing 112 and are anchored to the base 164 by spring brackets162.

Synchronization of the inner and outer magnets 120 is achieved by thetiming pins 158 and holding gears 122. Each timing pin 158 is attachedto a rocker 156. Each rocker 156 interfaces with its respective timingcam 152 via timing gears attached to the timing gear shafts 148 on eachend of the electromagnetic engine 110. The timing gears 150 mesh withthe output shaft gears 140, which are attached to the output shaft 110.This timing arrangement communicates inner magnet position to the outermagnets 120 in order to release the outer magnet housings 112 at precisetimes and to actuate the solenoids 118 for optimum performance. Optimumperformance is realized when minimum effort or input energy is requiredto operate the solenoids 118.

As load or torque is placed on the output shaft 110, its rotational ratetends to decrease. The holding gear 122 arrangement is critical forcontinued synchronization of inner and outer magnets 120 as theirrelative speeds change. As the rotational rate of the output shaft 110decreases, the outer magnet housing 112 needs to be held in order tocompensate for the relative speed differential. Under loaded conditions,the firing or actuation rate of the solenoids 118 decreases. Throughthis mechanical actuality and precise timing, the efficiency andperformance of the electromagnetic motor 100 is optimized.

Once the electromagnetic motor 100 has reached operating speed, itgenerates sufficient electrical energy to continue driving theelectromagnetic motor 100 for a period of time. Input energy can besupplied to the solenoids 118 by an auxiliary electrical generator.However, the efficiency of the electromagnetic motor 100 enables theoutput shaft 110 to perform useful work. Useful work may be in the forma mechanical attachment to the output shaft 110 for the purpose ofdriving an auxiliary mechanical device. Alternatively, an electricalgenerator may be attached directly to the output shaft 110 to provideelectrical output energy to other electrical devices.

A schematic diagram 200 of the electrical connections of theelectromagnetic engine 100 is shown in FIG. 6. Solenoid 210 is groundedand is interconnected to relay 230 by wiring 212. Solenoid 220 isgrounded and is interconnected to relay 240 by wiring 222. Relay 230 isinterconnected to switch 250 by wiring 236, interconnected to switch 260by wiring 232 and 262, and interconnected to switch 270 by wiring 234and 272.

Relay 240 is interconnected to switch 250 by wiring 246, interconnectedto switch 260 by wiring 242 and 262, and interconnected to switch 270 bywiring 244 and 272. Switch 250 is interconnected to points 256 andground by wiring 252 and 254. Switches 260 and 270 are interconnected toswitch 280 by wiring 264 and 274. Switch 280 is interconnected toalternator 286 and battery 290, and ground by wiring 282, 284, 292 and294.

FIGS. 7-10 show another example of an electromagnetic engine 300. Theelectromagnetic engine 300 includes an outer rotor assembly 310 and aninner rotor assembly 305 coaxially mounted in an outer case 342 betweenend plates 321. The inner rotor assembly 305 is capable of 360° rotationin a single direction, while the outer rotor assembly 310 is constrainedto rotate through an arc in an oscillatory movement, first in onedirection, then in the opposite direction, with intervals when the outerrotor 310 is held stationary, all according to a prescribed timingpattern.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8, the inner rotor 305 includes an innerframe 322A having a pair of disk-shaped end plates connected by parallelspacer bars. A pair of arcuate magnets 324, being sections of acylindrical shell, are mounted on the inner frame 322. An output shaft335 is fixed to the inner frame 322 and extends through an output shaftbearing 343 mounted on end plate 321.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the inner rotor 305 includes an inner frame322B similar in construction to inner frame 322A, but with thedisk-shaped end plates replaced by rings. In this embodiment, outputfrom the engine 300 is taken from an output gear 323 fixed to innerframe 322B. Also, in this embodiment, the inner frame rotates aroundinner electromagnetic field coils 325, which are held stationary withinouter case 342, for a purpose described below.

The outer rotor 310 includes an outer frame 326 having a pair of endrings joined by parallel spacer bars to defined a hollow annulus withinwhich the inner rotor 305 rotates. A pair of arcuate magnets 328 aremounted on the outer frame 326, the magnets 328 being sections of acylindrical shell. A pair of holding gears 327 are mounted on oppositeends of outer rotor 310. A plurality of bearings 330 extend fromopposite ends of the outer rotor 310 and rotate within bearing races 331defined in opposite ends of the case 342.

The magnets 328 mounted on outer frame 326 are opposite in polarity tothe magnets 324 mounted on inner frame 322A or 322B. That is, if theouter faces of the magnets 328 have positive polarity and the innerfaces have negative polarity, then the outer faces of inner magnets 324have negative polarity and the inner faces have positive polarity. Whenthe inner faces of outer magnets 328 are aligned with the outer faces ofinner magnets 324 so that there is maximum alignment of the surfaceareas of the magnets 324 and 328, the maximum force of repulsion betweenthe magnetic fields of the magnets 324 and 328 is developed. Either theentire shells of magnets 324 and 328 may be magnets, or bar magnets mayextend axially in the central portion of the shells, being laminated tothe lateral portions of the shells.

Outer case 342 is preferably made from a non-magnetic material. A firstsolenoid 338 and a second solenoid 339 are mounted in outer case 342 andselectively operate stop pins or pawls that engage the holding gears327. A plurality of springs 333 (drawn as spring and cage) and springarm 334 are provided, the springs 333 having one end attached to eachcorner of the outer frame 326 and the opposite end anchored at the case342. Springs 333 stabilize oscillatory movement of outer rotor 310. Apair of outer electromagnetic field coils 332 are mounted on outer case342, positioned 180° apart.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10, the engine 300 is placed in operation(set in motion) by oscillating movement of the outer rotor 310.Oscillation of the outer rotor 310 may be initiated either mechanicallyin the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8, or by supplying an external source ofelectrical energy to operate the two outer electromagnetic field coils332 in the embodiment of FIG. 9. This external source of electricalenergy is supplied by the inner electromagnetic field coils 325, whichare stationary and exist solely to place the engine 300 in operation.The inner electromagnetic field coils 325 receive their electricalenergy from relays 344. Either method initiates rotation of the outerrotor 310.

Rotation of the inner rotor 305 commences as magnets 328 on the outerrotor 310 pass through the force field of the opposing magnets 324 onthe inner rotor 305. The initial repulsion (due to the same polarity) ofopposing magnets 324 and 328 as their proximity reduces is minimized bythe relative speed (a high speed as the two magnets are moving inopposite directions) as the outer rotor 310 is oscillated. When theinner magnets 324 and outer magnets 328 are approximately adjacent, theouter rotor 310 is momentarily held stationary by the solenoid release338 meshing with the holding gear 327. The lock bearings 340 work inconjunction with solenoid releases 338, 339 and holding gears 327.

This holding of the outer rotor 310 stationary serves multiple purposes.It ensures that the total repelling force of opposing magnets is exertedin the desired direction of rotation of the output shaft 335 or outputgear 323. By “holding” the outer rotor 310 at this point, the timeexposed to the force field is increased, thereby further increasingenergy delivered to the output shaft 335, which is fixed to inner frame322 and is rotatable in output shaft bearing 343 mounted in end plate321, via rotation of the inner frame 322. Alternatively, the output maybe taken from output gear 323, which is fixed to inner frame 322.

For simplicity, the above discussion of opposing magnets focused on oneinner magnet 324, one outer magnet 328 and one holding gear 327. Theengine 300 actually has a total of four magnets (two inner and twoouter) arranged 180° apart on the inner frame 322 and the outer frame326, respectively, so that each of the two outer magnets 328 isimmediately adjacent to and opposing its respective inner magnets 324 asthe solenoid release 338 engages the holding gear 327. Thus, energyimparted to the output shaft 335 by the repelling force of opposingmagnets is multiplied by two. Similarly, there are two holding gears 327and two solenoid releases 338 and 339, and two lock bearings 340, one ofeach arranged on opposite ends of the output shaft 335.

Additionally, there is an outer electromagnetic field coil 332associated with each holding gear 327 and attached to opposite sides ofthe outer magnet frame 326. The primary outer electromagnetic field coil332 operates to oscillate the outer magnet frame 326 in both directions,first in the same direction as the inner magnet frame 322, immediatelyfollowed by a counterrotational movement in a direction opposite to therotation of the inner frame 322. When the outer magnet frame 326 ismoving opposite the inner magnet frame 322, this action propels theouter magnets 328 through the force fields of opposing inner magnets 324to the point that the holding gear 327 associated with the outerelectromagnetic field coil 332 is engaged.

When the timing device releases the holding gear 327, a signal is alsosent to actuate a secondary outer electromagnetic field coil 332 on theopposite side of the outer housing 342. The secondary outerelectromagnetic field coil 332 reverses the direction of the oscillationof the outer magnet frame 326 and accelerates it in the same directionof rotation as the output shaft 335 and the inner rotor 305. The outerrotor 310, traveling at a faster rate of speed than the inner rotor 322,places opposing inner magnets 324 and outer magnets 328 in closeproximity and imparts additional force to rotate the output shaft 335.This movement of the outer rotor 310 continues to the limit of theoscillating range where the solenoid release 339 and the holding gear327 and lock bearing 40 associated with this side of the outer rotor 326are engaged. Timing devices then release (after the appropriate holdingtime) the solenoid release 339 from the holding gear 327, send a signalto the outer electromagnetic field coil 332, and the cycle repeats. Toprovide the engine 300 stability and to assist the outer electromagneticfield coil 332, three springs 333 (drawn as spring and cage) and springarm 334 are provided, the springs 333 having one end attached to eachcorner of the outer magnet frame 326 and the opposite end anchored atthe case 342.

Synchronization of the inner magnets 324 and outer magnets 328 isachieved by the aforementioned solenoid release 338 and 339 and theholding gears 327. Each solenoid release 338, 339 is attached to thecase 342. The solenoid releases 338 and 339 are controlled by an EPROMcontroller 345. Controller 345 is connected to a timing sensor 341 onthe output shaft 335. The EPROM controller 345 controls activation ofthe relays 336 and 337 and the solenoid releases 338 and 339 at theprecise time for optimum performance. Optimum performance is realizedwhen minimum effort or input energy is required to operate the outerelectromagnetic field coils 332. As load or torque is placed on theoutput shaft 335, its rotational rate will tend to decrease. The holdinggear arrangement 327 is critical for continued synchronization of theinner magnets 324 and the outer magnets 328 as their relative speedchanges. That is, as the rotational rate of the output shaft 335decreases, the outer rotor 310 must be “held” in order to compensate forthe relative speed differential. It should be noted that, under loadedconditions, the required firing (actuation) rate of the outerelectromagnetic field coil 332 decreases. Through this mechanicalactuality and precise timing, device efficiency and performance arethereby optimized, while the output remains the same.

While the invention has been described with reference to its preferredembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teaching of the inventionwithout departing from its essential teachings.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

1. An electromagnetic engine comprising: an outer rotor having an outerframe defining an annulus and a plurality of outer magnets mounted onthe outer frame; an inner rotor having an inner frame and a plurality ofinner magnets mounted thereon, the inner frame being disposed forrotation within the annulus defined by the outer frame, the innermagnets having a magnetic field opposite in polarity to the outermagnets; means for rotating the outer rotor in oscillating arcs; meansfor momentarily maintaining the outer rotor in a stationary position;and an output coupling fixed to the inner rotor for rotation therewith;wherein oscillation of the outer rotor causes rotation of the innerrotor, thereby providing output power to the output coupling.
 2. Theelectromagnetic engine according to claim 1, further comprising an outercase, said inner rotor and said outer rotor being coaxially mountedwithin the outer case.
 3. The electromagnetic engine according to claim2, wherein the means for rotating said outer rotor comprises a pluralityof outer electromagnetic field coils attached to opposite sides of theouter case.
 4. The electromagnetic engine according to claim 3, furthercomprising at least one electromagnetic field coils mounted to saidouter case and disposed within said inner frame.
 5. The electromagneticengine according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of springshaving a first end anchored to said outer case and a second end attachedto said outer frame, the springs stabilizing oscillation of said outerrotor.
 6. The electromagnetic engine according to claim 1, wherein saidoutput coupling comprises an output shaft fixed to the inner frame ofsaid inner rotor.
 7. The electromagnetic engine according to claim 1,wherein said output coupling comprises an output gear fixed to the innerframe of said inner rotor.
 8. The electromagnetic engine according toclaim 1, wherein said means for maintaining said outer rotor in astationary position further comprises: a holding gear disposed atopposite ends of said outer rotor; and a solenoid having an extendablestop pin mounted opposite each of the holding gears, the stop pinsselectively engaging the holding gears in a defined timing sequence. 9.The electromagnetic engine according to claim 8, wherein said means formaintaining said outer rotor in a stationary position further comprisesan EPROM controller circuit electrically connected to said solenoids.10. The electromagnetic engine according to claim 8, wherein said meansfor maintaining said outer rotor in a stationary position furthercomprises a timing sensor mounted on said output coupling, the timingsensor being electrically connected to said EPROM controller circuit foradjusting speed of oscillation of said outer rotor according to a loadattached to said output coupling.